A HEARTFELT LOVE LETTER TO ALL MY TEACHERS
5th of October - World Teachers' Day.
I have two fond Teachers' slogans, which resonate so much with me and bring nostalgic feelings of memories. "If you know how to spell and write your name, thank your teacher. If you do not know how to spell and write your name, find a qualified teacher." - The second one is, "There are only two professions in the whole world - Teaching and Others."
Last weekend, I was going through my documents when I found my old exercise book used during my secondary school stage, in which I have written several poems, reflections, and essays.
I was proud of myself to see that I had written a love letter to my teachers to describe their role in my life and everyone else's lives. I wrote it in the form of a story. In that case, I wonder if I was inspired by someone else's story, a book, a TV show, etc. However, I saw some of my childhood resonating originality and events in the story - so I am safe to think I came up with the story.
Nevertheless, since it is only making it to the internet or any form of publication just now, please indulge me as I share the story's creativity with your author. It's worth remembering as you read this article, though, that until you find your author, I am permitted to claim the glory alongside all my teachers. THANK YOU!
As the year is coming to an end, our teacher, being almost the sweetest person I know in trying to inculcate the virtue of gratitude in us, gave us an assignment. "Everyone listen up; I want you all to draw something you're thankful for."
Fancy shoes, Christmas clothes/meals and other traditional goodies were the topics of most pictures. However, I drew a different kind of picture because I was a different kind of boy (nerdy, always alone, and shy).
As other children played during the break period, I would stand close by the teacher's side. One could only guess the amount of crush I hid behind my shy eyes. When it got to my turn, and I was asked to draw something for which I was thankful, I drew a hand. Nothing else, just an empty hand.
My image captured the imagination of my peers, and they all tried guessing whose hand it was. "Maybe it is either one of his parents." Someone said. "I think it is his grandmother's hand because they protect and care for us," said another. "It is no doubt the hand of God himself!" said many others.
This discussion continued until the teacher almost forgot me, the young artist. When the class had gone on to other assignments, the teacher paused at my desk and bent down - "Ekene, may I know whose hand you drew?" she asked kindly.
I looked up at her and muttered, "Aunty (as we address our female teachers at that stage), it's yours." The teacher was taken entirely by surprise. She recalled all the times she had taken my hand and walked with me here and there. How often she said, "Ekene, take my hand, don't be shy, let me walk with you to the front of the class to read out your notes." or "Let's do this or that together."
Finally, I said - "Aunty, as the year is coming to an end, I am most thankful for your hand." It was the first time I courageously looked into her eyes for an extra few seconds and smiled. Brushing aside a tear, she spoke softly, "And as the year is ending, I am thankful for you and the opportunity to be your teacher, my kind and intelligent boy.”
As a Chinese quote states - “A teacher takes a hand, Opens a Mind, and Touches a Heart.”
Be thankful to those who have shed their light to illuminate our paths. I feel we do not celebrate and appreciate them enough to commensurate for their invaluable contributions to the lives of each of us.
To all my teachers - “Dear Teacher, I celebrate you today, like I did yesterday and the day before, and like I will always do and did… THANK YOU VERY MUCH!”
Your forever student,
Ekene Moses.
Photo credit: Author (A picture of my old exercise book from where I transcribed this article)
Many thanks for reading my perspective and giving feedback.
My fervent wish is for the personal growth of everyone and the success of all young professionals who put their hearts and souls into finding their purpose in life.
Copyright © Ekene Moses, 2023. All Rights Reserved.